Grants in Israel

Shishi Shabbat Israeli

In 2011, Genesis Philanthropy Group supported Shishi Shabbat Israeli, a program aimed at developing a community of Russian-speaking Israelis between 20 and 35 years of age.

Shishi Shabbat runs two-day seminars (Friday and Saturday) on a variety of Jewish subjects, including the history of Israel, for 50 participants. The seminars are accompanied by Shabbat celebrations and excursions to significant historical sites in Israel.

Participants come together once a month for a celebration of holidays and various cultural activities. In addition, they participate in volunteer projects and get together twice a month for a discussion on cultural and social issues, conducted in the Beit Midrash style (a traditional Jewish house of learning).

Argaman was a pilot project of six sessions developed for select groups of Shishi Shabbat Yisraeli participants to meet well-known veteran and immigrant Israeli artists and explore their works. Guided by a professional Russian-speaking Israeli facilitator, participants entered the world of Jewish-Israeli art, music, theater, film and literature, expanding their understanding of the trends and ideas that helped found, and continue to build, contemporary Israeli society.

This guided exposure to high-quality Israeli culture promoted the intellectual and social integration of participants and enhanced their capacity for communal leadership and involvement in Israeli society.

The project is based on the concept of "Judaism as Culture," and the idea of culture as a powerful means of enhancing personal Jewish identity. A webcast recording of each session will be made available on the Shishi Shabbat Yisraeli website, as well as other relevant websites for a more general audience.

Goals and Objectives

Create a cohesive community of young Russian-speaking adults in Israel.

Strengthen the Jewish and Zionist identities of Russian-speaking new immigrants and establish a basis for their intellectual and spiritual growth.

Develop leadership skills of young Russian-speaking Israelis and to engage them in social and volunteer activities.

Prevent the emigration of Russian-speaking young adults from Israel.

Help young Russian-speaking Israelis who are considering conversion in order to gain positive Jewish experiences.